The natural environment of hiking trails and country parks has been damaged as hikers arbitrarily open new paths and trample on plants, said Secretary for the Environment Wong Kam-sing.
Replying to lawmakers' enquiries, Wong noted that as hiking becomes more popular during the pandemic, the increasing number of hikers results in the deterioration of hiking trails, loss of vegetation cover and soil erosion.
In response to the situation, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department will conduct regular inspections on the environmental conditions of country parks. The department will also arrange for rehabilitation work, including fencing off areas for replanting, if necessary, Wong added.
On the other hand, Wong also said enhancement works on facilities in country parks are now ongoing. The new facilities will adopt low-carbon and green design that integrate with the natural surroundings in order to meet the needs people of different age groups and physical abilities.
The works included improvement works for the public toilets at Bride's Pool and Tai Tam Tuk and construction of a new public toilet at Pak Kung Au on Lantau Island.
The enhancement works of tourism supporting facilities for three hiking trails have been completed as well, according to Wong. The three hiking trails are MacLehose Trail Section 1 at Sai Kung East Country Park, Peak Trail at Pok Fu Lam Country Park and Lung Fu Shan Country Park, and Double Haven Country Trail at Plover Cove Country Park.
The enhancement works in collaboration with the Tourism Commission for another seven popular hiking trails are still ongoing.
